Ghazala Hashmi

Rule Changes

Opposing the merger

Governor Abigail Spanberger asked the State Corporation Commission to reject NextEra's attempt to keep the "Robo Memo" out of the merger hearing, calling the companies' handling of it a sign they misunderstand the review standard. The memo, addressed to former NextEra CEO James Robo, describes an investigation into alleged election interference and bribery in Florida. The commission has not decided whether to admit it.

Updated Yesterday

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Inaugurated January 17, 2026

For 250 years and 74 governors, Virginia had never elected a woman to its highest office, but Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, changed that on January 17, 2026. She took the oath on the Capitol steps in Richmond alongside Ghazala Hashmi, the first Muslim woman to hold statewide office in the U.S., and Jay Jones, Virginia's first Black attorney general. Within hours, she signed 10 executive orders and appointed 27 new members to public university boards, including vacancies at UVA from recent board resignations.

Updated May 21